SANTA ROSA, N.M. – New Mexico State Parks is announcing the imminent closure of the boat ramp at Santa Rosa Lake State Park due to a water release by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) on behalf of the Carlsbad Irrigation District.
The USACE Albuquerque District started releasing water from Santa Rosa Lake on July 20 and is scheduled to continue Aug. 3. This release is expected to lower the lake’s elevation by approximately 36 feet, reducing reservoir storage from about 40,000 acrefeet to 3,500 acre-feet – a drop from 40% capacity down to 3%.
Due to the significant decrease in water levels, the boat ramp is projected to close July 29 and will remain closed until conditions return to a safe level.
“This annual release is an important coordination effort between the Carlsbad Irrigation District, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,” said Toby Velásquez, director of New Mexico State Parks. “Santa Rosa Lake’s water belongs to the Carlsbad Irrigation District. While the State Parks Division manages recreation at the park, the USACE oversees the reservoir and the water it stores. Camping, hiking, fishing in accessible areas, and other recreational activities will remain available, and we encourage visitors to continue enjoying the park during this period.”
Santa Rosa Dam is the first major dam along the Pecos River, with a contributing drainage area of 2,434 square miles. It plays a vital role in the Pecos River Basin plan, supporting irrigation storage, flood control and sediment retention. Sumner Lake Dam and Brantley Dam—also key components of the basin—are owned and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation.
For more information: Santa Rosa Lake State Park: 575-472-3110 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Albuquerque District: 505-342-3171